Floor mat support and drainage structure

ABSTRACT

An advanced floor mat is disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, the floor mat includes a cleanable portion. The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a water absorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, a transparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include a plurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. The tacky surface may be comprised of a material that has an inherent anti-slip capability when wet. Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. A support and drainage structure for the floor mat is also described. The support and drainage structure includes sloping surfaces for directing water coming in contact therewith downward.

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC section 119(e)of U.S. provisional application 60/256,486 filed Dec. 20, 2000. Further,this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/553,234, filed Apr. 19, 2000 and issued May 22, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No.6,233,776. Application Ser. No. 09/553,234 is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 09/418,752, filed Oct. 15, 1999, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/304,051, filed May4, 1999 and issued Apr. 24, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,219,876.

BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to a floor mat. More specifically,the invention provides a floor mat that includes a cleanable portion.The floor mat may also include a water dissipation component, a waterabsorbing component, a cushioning component, customized graphics, atransparent cleanable portion, a tacky surface on the cleanable portion,an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and afragrance. The cleanable portion may be erodible and may include aplurality of cleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is includedin the floor mat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tackysurface to help prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface.Additionally, a sensor system may be included in the floor mat to assista user in identifying when the floor mat may require cleaning.

[0003] Floor mats are known for cleaning the soles of a person's shoeswho is about to enter a particular area or room. One problem with floormats in general is how to keep the floor mat sufficiently clean suchthat it may perform its function of cleaning the person's shoes when, byits very nature, it is purposefully dirtied when performing itsfunction.

[0004] Known floor mats may be comprised of a single, unitary piece ofmaterial. Whereas these single structure floor mats may be kept cleanby, for example, washing the floor mat, it may be required that theentire floor mat be removed from its location for washing and thus, thefloor mat is not available where desired while the entire mat is beingcleaned. Alternatively, even if the mat can be cleaned in-place, whichmay not be a possibility if it is located in, for example, a carpetedarea, it may be inconvenient to clean the mat in-place.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 to Amos discloses a throw-away padcomprising a plurality of stacked disposable sheets where, when aparticular sheet is dirtied, the dirty sheet is removed and disposed of.The next sheet that is exposed after the dirty sheet is discarded isclean and thus, a clean surface is again available. However, there maybe problems with comprising the floor mat of disposable sheets.Disposing of each dirty sheet may be uneconomical since each sheet isdiscarded after it becomes dirty. Additionally, after some finite numberof sheets are disposed of, no sheets will remain and thus no effectivecleaning surface is available.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,785,102 to Amos also discloses that an adhesivecan be provided on each sheet's top surface to improve its ability toremove dirt from a person's shoes. However, again, these sheets are notcleanable and therefore are not reusable.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,717,897 to Amos et al. discloses a pad forcleaning shoes and wheels. The pad includes a thin water-washableadhesive covering its upper surface for removing dirt from shoes andwheels. Whereas the '897 patent discloses a pad with a water-washableadhesive upper surface, the pad is not known for use in domestic oroffice-type applications. As stated in the '897 patent, the pad isplaced at an entrance doorway leading into a clean room.

[0008] Tacky floor mats are by far more popular for utilization inindoor environments that are far removed from exterior outsideentrances, such as for clean rooms that are well-within the interior ofthe building in which they are used, e.g., hospital rooms, computer chipmanufacturing spaces, and gymnasiums. Thus, tacky floor mats are notknown for use in areas that are adjacent to entrances that lead from theoutdoor environment for cleaning the soles of a person's shoes prior toentry into the interior of a building, such as for example in an entryfoyer or on an outdoor porch.

[0009] Tacky floor mats are not known for use in domestic or office-typeapplications, e.g., home or business office use, because of severalknown deficiencies. One of these deficiencies is that their tackysurface will not be as effective if it becomes wet. Therefore, if thetacky surface floor mat was utilized in an outdoor environment, such asthe outdoor porch mentioned above, or in an indoor environment that isadjacent to or near an outdoor entrance, such as an entry foyer of ahome or business, for cleaning a person's shoes prior to furtherentering the home or business, the mat is likely to become wet andtherefore not effective. The mat could become wet from, for example, themoisture in the atmosphere or from moisture carried on the soles of theperson's shoes who steps on the mat. Additionally, if the tacky surfacebecomes wet it may become slippery and thus cause a hazard for theperson who steps on it.

[0010] More particularly, over the past several decades, the adhesivesthat are typically used in tacky surfaces of floor mats have evolved tothe point that they have been optimized through commercialization to acertain threshold of tackiness. Nevertheless, even at this optimalthreshold, the tacky surface has the deficiency described above, whereinthe tacky surface may become slippery when wet.

[0011] Efforts to address this problem by tinkering with the chemistryof the adhesives used in the tacky surface have been unavailing. Beyondthe optimal threshold of tackiness as described above (that is, if thetacky surface is made tackier), a trip hazard is presented when thesurface is dry. On the other hand, below the threshold (that is, if thetacky surface is made less tacky), a slip hazard is presented when thetacky surface is wet.

[0012] In consideration of the foregoing, a single chemistry for anadhesive that provides a tacky surface that is tacky both when wet andwhen dry is not known. Accordingly, there is a need for a floor mat witha tacky surface that can be utilized in both a wet environment and a dryenvironment.

[0013] Additional deficiencies with using known tacky floor mats forhome or office-type applications as discussed above is their likelihoodof becoming trip hazards and their lack of aesthetic appeal. In the '897patent, because the pad is designed for use in clean room environments,it is adhesively adhered to the passageway floor in front of theentrance doorway. This may be satisfactory for retaining the matin-place in clean room-type of applications, however, if it wasattempted to use the '897 pad on a carpeted floor, the pad would notproperly adhere to the carpet and thus a trip hazard would be present.This could result in significant liability issues. The '897 pad does nothave sufficient mass for it to remain in-place without utilizing anadhesive. Regarding aesthetics, because tacky floor mats are known onlyfor their functional characteristics, and thus for use only in “cleanroom”-type applications, they are not aesthetically pleasing. Therefore,for at least the above reasons, tacky floor mats are not known for usein home or office-type applications.

[0014] Additional drawbacks with known floor mats exist that aredirected to issues of customization for a particular purchaser and alack of additional cleaning properties. A floor mat may be the firstobject that a visitor to a particular home or business encounters. Assuch, the owner of the home or business may want to utilize the floormat to graphically convey an initial greeting or message to the visitor.Whereas floor mats are known that may include a greeting on them, it isnot currently known to allow for a particular purchaser to customize thedisplayed graphic so that the message is tailored to convey a particularmessage desired by the purchaser. For example, on Halloween thepurchaser may want the floor mat to display a “Happy Halloween” message.In another situation, the purchaser may want to greet a particularvisitor with a message such as “Hello, Joe”. Currently, it is not knownto provide a floor mat where an individual can customize the floor matto display a particular message that they want to convey and in certaincircumstances even change the floor mat's message they want to convey.

[0015] An additional problem with known floor mats, as mentioned above,is that they are limited in their ability to clean the soles of aperson's shoes. Whereas known floor mats may be capable of removing dirtparticles from the shoe's soles, they are not able to disinfect thesoles nor provide a scent to the soles to assist in masking anyunpleasant odors that may be associated with the shoes.

[0016] An additional drawback with known floor mats, even if they arecleanable, is that they do not assist a user in determining when thefloor mat may require cleaning. Generally, the owner or custodian of thefloor mat does not continuously or regularly monitor the condition ofthe floor mat with respect to cleanliness. Therefore, the floor matcould require cleaning, and because the owner is not consciouslymonitoring the condition of the floor mat, there could be a significantperiod of time before the owner realizes that the floor mat requirescleaning. Therefore, it would be desirable to assist the owner/custodianof the floor mat in determining when the floor mat requires cleaning.

[0017] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an advanced floor matthat could address deficiencies that exist with currently known floormats. The advanced floor mat of the present invention overcomesdeficiencies in the prior art and may include a base portion whichincorporates a cleanable portion that is adapted to be removablyreceived within the floor mat. The floor mat may also include featuressuch as a water dissipation capability, a water absorbing capability, acushioning capability, customized graphics, a transparent portion, atacky surface on the cleanable portion, an antibacterial composition, anantifungal composition, and a fragrance. The cleanable portion mayinclude the features of being erodible and containing a plurality ofcleanable reusable layers. If a tacky surface is included in the floormat, an anti-slip feature may be associated with the tacky surface tohelp prevent slipping on a possibly wet tacky surface. Additionally, asensor system may be included in the floor mat to assist a user inidentifying when the floor mat may require cleaning. Other features willbe apparent from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The various features of the invention will best be appreciated bysimultaneous reference to the description which follows and theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0019]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a floor mat in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. 1;

[0021]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe floor mat of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 4 is an exploded side view of an alternative embodiment ofthe floor mat of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 5 illustrates a third alternative embodiment for a tackyinsert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of thepresent invention;

[0024]FIG. 6 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment for a tackyinsert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of thepresent invention;

[0025]FIG. 7 is a side view of the embodiment for the tacky insertportion with an anti-slip feature of FIG. 6;

[0026]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment for a tackyinsert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of thepresent invention;

[0027]FIG. 9 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment for a tackyinsert portion with an anti-slip feature for the floor mat of thepresent invention;

[0028]FIG. 10 illustrates the tacky insert portion with an anti-slipfeature of FIG. 9 in conjunction with an alternative embodiment for thebase portion;

[0029]FIG. 11 illustrates a seventh alternative embodiment for a tackyinsert portion with an anti-slip feature and a water dissipatingcapability for the floor mat of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a tacky insertportion and base portion with a water dissipating capability for thefloor mat of the present invention;

[0031]FIG. 13 illustrates a sensor system that may be utilized in anembodiment of the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 14 is an embodiment for a floor mat where the tacky portionand the non-tacky portion are separable;

[0033]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the floor mat ofthe present invention as being used in one step of a process forutilizing the floor mat;

[0034]FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the floor mat of FIG. 15 as beingused in a second step of a process for utilizing the floor mat;

[0035]FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat inaccordance with the present invention that includes interchangeable baseportions;

[0036]FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat inaccordance with the present invention that includes single sheets forthe cleanable portion;

[0037]FIG. 19 illustrates a roll of sheets that may be utilized with theembodiment of FIG. 18;

[0038]FIG. 20 illustrates a storage container that may be utilized withthe roll of sheets of FIG. 19;

[0039]FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat inaccordance with the present invention that includes a scraper movable ontracks;

[0040]FIG. 22 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a floor mat inaccordance with the present invention that includes a scraper movable ontracks;

[0041]FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment for a tacky surfacein accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0042]FIG. 24 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the tackysurface of FIG. 23;

[0043]FIG. 25 illustrates another alternative embodiment for a tackysurface in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

[0044]FIG. 26 illustrates another alternative embodiment for a tackysurface in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

[0045]FIG. 27 illustrates another alternative embodiment for a tackysurface in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0046]FIG. 28A illustrates an embodiment of a floor mat support anddrainage structure according to the invention;

[0047]FIG. 28B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor matsupport and drainage structure;

[0048]FIG. 28C illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor matsupport and drainage structure without a retaining reservoir;

[0049]FIG. 28D illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor matsupport and drainage structure;

[0050]FIG. 29 illustrates the placement of a floor mat onto the supportand drainage structure;

[0051]FIG. 30 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor matsupport and drainage structure, with a two-part floor mat placedtherein;

[0052]FIG. 31 illustrates another alternative embodiment of the floormat support and drainage structure with a two-part floor mat placedtherein;

[0053]FIG. 32A illustrates another alternative embodiment of the floormat support and drainage structure;

[0054]FIG. 32B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the floor matsupport and drainage structure without a retaining reservoir;

[0055]FIG. 32C illustrates another alternative embodiment of the floormat support and drainage structure;

[0056]FIG. 33 illustrates a floor mat being placed onto a support anddrainage structure according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0057]FIG. 34 illustrates layers of a floor mat according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0058]FIG. 35 illustrates the floor mat of FIG. 34 as used with anembodiment of a support and drainage structure;

[0059]FIG. 36 illustrates layers of a floor mat according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0060]FIG. 37 illustrates the floor mat of FIG. 36 as used with anembodiment of a support and drainage structure;

[0061]FIG. 38 illustrates layers of a floor mat according to anotherembodiment of the invention;

[0062]FIG. 39 illustrates the floor mat of FIG. 38 as used with anembodiment of a support and drainage structure; and

[0063]FIG. 40 illustrates an assembly wherein a mat received by asupport and drainage structure according to the invention includes atacky insert with apertures to receive anti-slip components of a baseportion of the mat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064]FIG. 1 illustrates a first embodiment for a floor mat 100 inaccordance with the principles of the present invention. As can be seenin FIG. 1, floor mat 100 includes a base portion 200 and a cleanableinsert portion 300. As will be further described later in thisspecification, in this embodiment, cleanable portion 300 is receivedwithin base portion 200 and is removable from base portion 200.

[0065]FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded, perspective view of the floor matof FIG. 1. As can be seen in FIG. 2, base portion 200 is formed as agenerally flat, planar member and defines a recess 210 within the topsurface of base portion 200. Base portion 200 provides sufficient weightand mass for supporting cleanable insert portion 300 and maintaining thefloor mat's positioning on the surface on which it is placed. Baseportion 200 may include, as will be discussed below, a water dissipationcapability, a water absorption capability, and a cushioning capabilityand may be comprised of materials such as polyurethane, polyisoprene andother cross-linked elastomeric materials, such as nylon-6, molded orwoven to form a porous structure. Recess 210 can be configured in any ofa variety of geometric configurations, however, in the presentembodiment, recess 210 is configured in a rectangular shape. Recess 210has a length L₁ and a width W₁. The depth of recess 210 is such that itis able to receive within it cleanable insert portion 300 such that whencleanable insert portion 300 is received within recess 210, the topsurface of cleanable insert portion 300 lies generally in the same planeas the top surface of base portion 200.

[0066] The top surface of base portion 200 may be colored with any colordepending upon the desires of a particular purchaser, however, it ispreferable that a color be utilized that will minimize the visibility ofany dirt that is accumulated by base portion 200. For example, it may bedesirable that darker colors be utilized for the top surface of baseportion 200 rather than lighter colors. However, again, any particularcolor may be utilized for base portion 200, and particularly the topsurface of base portion 200, depending upon the particular desires of anindividual. Additionally, the base portion 200 may be either translucentor opaque.

[0067] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the surface of base portion 200 whichdefines the bottom of recess 210 may include graphics 220 on thatsurface. In the illustrated embodiment, the graphics include pictorialrepresentations of flowers and a text message which spells out the word“WELCOME”. The present invention is not limited to any particulargraphic within recess 210 and the present invention may include any of avariety of different forms of graphics.

[0068] Graphics 220 may be modified, and thus customized, by anindividual after the floor mat has been purchased by the owner. Theowner may customize the mat at their home or office and, thus, a graphicthat may be appropriate for a particular situation may be modified bythe individual for display in another situation. For example, thegraphic may display a message stating “Happy Halloween” for Halloweenand may be modified to display “Happy Holidays” during the winterholiday season. Thus, as can be understood, the graphics are modifiableby a user and thus, may be customized for the particular desires of aparticular user.

[0069] As stated above, the present invention is not limited to anyparticular form for graphics 220. The graphics 220 can be customized bya user to include any of a variety of different colors, pictures,messages, or other representations that the user may want to display. Inaddition, the visible intensity of a color(s) can be modified. Forexample, a color that glows at night could be included in graphics 220for an occasion such as Halloween.

[0070] Any of a variety of different types of structures or methods maybe practiced in the present invention for modifying graphics 220 offloor mat 100 and the present invention is not limited to any particularmethodology or structure for modifying graphics 220. Additionally, allof the various embodiments contemplated for providing a modifiablegraphic display in the floor mat of the present invention can beincorporated in either, or both, of the base portion or the insertportion. For example, the graphics may consist of pre-formed messages orart forms which may be adhered to either the surface which defines thebottom of recess 210, such as by using an adhesive or fastener assembly,e.g., a hook and loop assembly, or to the underside of insert portion300 such that, when insert portion 300 is placed within base portion200, the graphics would be visible through a transparent insert portion.

[0071] Alternatively, a variety of different graphics may be storedwithin floor mat 100 such that a user is able to selectively uncover aparticular graphic for display while the other available graphics remaincovered within floor mat 100. This type of selectability is known inother mediums where selectivity between a variety of different graphicswithin a common display panel is desired. For example, advertisingbulletin boards at sporting events are able to selectively display afirst particular message during a first particular period of time anddisplay a second message during a second period of time on the samebulletin board.

[0072] A third possible alternative is to provide a modifiable displayon the floor mat. The display surface can be associated with either thebase portion or the insert portion, e.g., on either the bottom surfaceof recess 210 or attached to the bottom of insert portion 300. A displaycould be included on the front of the floor mat, on the back of the matsuch that it is viewable through a transparent portion of the mat,embedded in the mat, attached to the mat, or integrally formed in themat. For example, the display could be comprised of a small, thin box ofgraphics that could attach to a tacky portion and/or a base portion orany other component part of the floor mat. However it is associated withthe floor mat, a user may design and display their customized graphicand may subsequently modify that graphic such that it is replaced withanother graphic. A display surface such as an erasable writing boardcould be utilized for this purpose.

[0073] It is also contemplated that a modifiable electronic displaysurface could be provided, such as, for example, a liquid crystaldisplay. The display could be connected to a computer and a computergenerated image could be displayed on the display. Thus, the imagedisplayed on the display could be modified by generating a differentcomputer image and displaying that computer image on the display. Thedisplay could be associated with base portion 200, such as includedwithin recess 210, or could be included on a bottom surface, facingupward, of insert portion 300. Alternatively, the display could beintegrally formed with either of the base portion or the insert portion.The modifiable display could utilize a plurality of different graphicsthat can be displayed in any of a variety of manners on the display. Forexample, the graphics could be displayed in a generally fixed positionon the display or could scroll across the display, with both exemplarymethodologies displaying multiple graphics either individually or incombination.

[0074] Other alternatives for modifying the graphics 220 of floor mat100 include using light emitting polymers to create, and thus change,graphics 220. The light emitting polymers can be either applied to,attached to, or woven into the floor mat. The light emitting polymersmay be utilized on any portion of floor mat 100, for example, on eitherthe base portion or the insert portion, or on any other portion of thedifferent embodiments for the floor mat. Light emitting polymers areknown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,945,502, 5,869,350, and5,571,626, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0075] Other options for a display are to use electronic ink or electricpaper. Electric paper is available from Xerox and is described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,723,204, 5,604,027, 4,126,854, and 4,143,103, which areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Electric paperemploys thousands of tiny, electrically charged beads, called Gyricon,each about the width of a human hair, to create pixels. The two-tonebeads are embedded inside a liquid-filled plastic sheeting that formsthe surface of the paper. Each bead, half-black, half-white, gyrates inresponse to an electric field. Whether the beads are black- orwhite-side up determines the image. Because there's no need to refreshthe image, and because the screen isn't backlit, electric paper usesonly a fraction of the power used by conventional electronic displays.Electromagnetic styluses and printer-like devices can be used forgetting images onto the paper.

[0076] Electronic ink is available from E Ink Corp., at 45 Spinelli Pl.,Cambridge, Mass. 02138. Electronic ink uses a microencapsulatedmicromechanical display system. Tiny microcapsules are captured betweentwo sheets of plastic to create pixels. Alternatively, the capsules maybe sprayed on a surface. The result is a flexible display material. Thetiny capsules are transparent and contain a mixture of dark ink andwhite paint chips. An electric charge is passed through the capsules.Depending on the electrostatic charge, the paint chips float at the topor rest on the bottom of each capsule. When the paint chips float at thetop, the surface appears white. When they rest at the bottom, and thusunder the ink, the surface appears black. Each of the two states isstable: black or white. A transparent electromagnetic grid laid over thesheet's surface controls the shape of the image. The display may bewirelessly connected to, for example, a computer and thus, the WorldWide Web by utilizing, for example, a Motorola paging system. Text onall displays, if multiple displays are used, can be changed at once by asingle editor, through a Web page.

[0077] Again, a display, which could utilize any of the methodsdiscussed above for modifying the display, could be associated with anyportion of the floor mat, such as base portion 200 within recess 210 oron a bottom surface, facing upward, of insert portion 300.Alternatively, the display could be integrally formed with either of thebase portion or the insert portion. The display could be utilized in anyof the embodiments disclosed herein for the floor mat of the presentinvention, including a floor mat that includes a tacky surface and anon-tacky floor mat embodiment.

[0078] In further describing base portion 200, as mentioned above, baseportion 200 may also include both a water dissipation component and acushioning component. The water dissipation component provides fortransferring moisture from the soles of a person's shoes that isstanding on floor mat 100 to reduce the degree of moisture transferredto cleanable insert portion 300 and the cushioning component providesfor conforming the floor mat 100 to the shape of the person's soles suchthat a greater amount of the debris on the person's soles may be removedby floor mat 100. The present invention is not limited to any particularstructure or material for the water dissipation component and thecushioning component. For example, the water dissipation component maybe comprised of any of a wide variety of known materials, such aspolyamides, vinylics, and polyisoprene. It is desirable, but notrequired, that the water dissipation component dissipate or move thewater and not retain the water. Thus, porous materials, and nothydrophilic materials, are desired. The cushioning component may becomprised of any of a variety of cushioning components to include, forexample, foam rubber.

[0079]FIG. 2 also further illustrates cleanable insert portion 300. Ascan be seen, cleanable insert portion 300 has a geometric shape which iscomplementary in size and form to the recess 210 that is formed withinbase portion 200. As such, cleanable insert portion 300 is able to bereceived securely within recess 210. Thus, cleanable insert portion 300has a length L₂ which is just slightly smaller than the length L₁ ofrecess 210. Likewise, cleanable insert portion 300 has a width W₂ whichis also just slightly smaller than width W₁ of recess 210.

[0080] On the bottom side 310 of cleanable insert portion 300, i.e.,that surface which contacts the surface which defines the bottom ofrecess 210, an attachment mechanism may be provided such that cleanableinsert portion 300 may be removably attached to base portion 200 withinrecess 210. Any of a variety of different attachment mechanisms may beprovided on the bottom surface of cleanable insert portion 300 toinclude, for example, a hook and loop fastener assembly or an adhesive.Regardless of the particular securement mechanism used to removablyattach cleanable insert portion 300 to base portion 200, in thisembodiment, cleanable insert portion 300 may be removed from baseportion 200 such that it may be cleaned by a user and, after cleaning,be reinserted within recess 210 such that a clean surface is nowprovided for floor mat 100.

[0081] As stated above, cleanable insert portion 300 may be formed froma transparent material such as hydrophilic aliphatic acrylic polymersand copolymers incorporating acrylic acid, hydroxy ethyl methacrylate,and glycerin monomethacrylate. Forming cleanable insert portion 300 of atransparent material would allow an individual to view the customizedgraphics that may be provided within floor mat 100, as discussedpreviously. Alternatively, the insert portion 300 could be opaque.

[0082] Additionally, the top side of cleanable insert portion 300 mayinclude a tacky surface. The tacky surface would provide for assistingin removing debris from the soles of a person's shoes that is standingon cleanable insert portion 300. When the top tacky surface of cleanableinsert portion 300 is dirtied to such an extent that the user desires toclean insert portion 300, in this embodiment, the user removes insertportion 300 from base portion 200 and cleans insert portion 300 toremove the accumulated debris. The insert portion 300 is then reinsertedinto base portion 200.

[0083] The tacky surface that is provided on the top side of cleanableinsert portion 300 could be comprised of any of a variety of materials,such as polyvinyl chlorides combined with a suitable plasticizer,plasticized neoprene, polysulfides, and polyurethanes. Additionally,acrylics, such as butyl acrylate and many of its homologues, may beutilized. Again, the present invention is not limited to any particularmaterial. The tacky surface may be formed, generally, from any adhesivematerial. The only consideration, in this embodiment, is that thesurface should maintain its tacky characteristic even after repeatedcleaning cycles.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to any particularmethodology for cleaning insert portion 300. Insert portion 300 may becleaned by any of a variety of methods depending upon a particularmaterial composition for insert portion 300. For example, insert portion300 may be cleaned by placing insert portion within a washing machineand washing insert portion 300 or insert portion 300 may be cleaned byscrubbing insert portion 300 with a scrub brush and soap and water orwith a cleaning agent such as “Spic 'N Span”.

[0085] Additionally, the insert portion 300 could be cleaned byutilizing a roller that also includes a tacky surface around thecircumference of the roller. The tacky surface of the roller iscomprised of a stronger adhesive than that of the tacky insert portionsuch that, as the tacky surface of the roller is rolled over the tackysurface of the insert portion, any dirt and debris on the tacky insertportion will be drawn off of the tacky insert portion and will adhere tothe roller. In this manner, a roller with a tacky surface could beutilized to clean the tacky insert portion.

[0086] Again, however, the present invention is not limited to anyparticular methodology or cleaning agent for cleaning insert portion 300and any cleaning methodology or agent compatible with the composition ofinsert portion 300 is contemplated.

[0087] Floor mat 100 may also include additional features for assistingin the cleaning of the soles of a person standing on floor mat 100. Forexample, base portion 200 and/or insert portion 300 may include anantibacterial composition and an antifungal composition. Antibacterialcompositions such as anthraquinone derivatives of polyethylene glycolmono- and di-methacrylate could be utilized. Thus, floor mat 100 wouldbe bacteriacidal. The antibacterial feature would be particularlydesirable because the floor mat would be able to both clean structuraldebris from the soles of the person's shoes and remove any potentiallyharmful bacteria from the person's soles as well.

[0088] Additionally, in order to further provide for a desirable solesurface prior to entering a particular area, floor mat 100 could also beprovided with a fragrance. Flavones such as tricyclic molecules witharomatic substitution or organic ethers, e.g., limonoic acid, could beutilized. The fragrance is transferred from floor mat 100 to the solesof the person's shoes such that any undesirable odors are favorablymasked by the fragrance.

[0089] The present invention is not only limited to utilizing anantibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, and/or a fragrancein floor mat 100. Rather, floor mat 100 could also incorporate a varietyof other substances that would assist in cleaning the soles of aperson's shoes.

[0090] Any variety of structures or methods could be utilized forassociating an antibacterial composition, an antifungal composition, afragrance, or any other composition, with floor mat 100. The substancescould be applied as releasable, or dissipatable, coatings to floor mat100 or could be releasably embedded as, for example, pellets within thestructure of floor mat 100 such that as pressure is applied to floor mat100 the substances are dispensed to the soles of the person's shoes.

[0091]FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment for floor mat 100. InFIG. 3, it is illustrated that base portion 200 may include separatelayers for a water dissipation component 230 and a cushioning component240. Water dissipation component 230, in this embodiment, is disposed ona top side of the cushioning component 240. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this particular embodiment for waterdissipation component 230 and cushioning component 240. For example, asingle hybrid structure could be utilized for base portion 200 thatwould include the material properties to provide for both waterdissipation and conforming structure.

[0092] Alternatively, FIG. 4 illustrates that the floor mat may includeboth a water dissipation component, or wicking layer, and a waterabsorbtion layer. In FIG. 4, floor mat 400 includes wicking layer 410and water absorption layer 420. The wicking layer 410 could be comprisedof polypropylene or olefins, or any other suitable material that has theproperties of moving the water from the surface of floor mat 400. Thewater absorption layer 420 is disposed underneath the wicking layer 410and absorbs any water that passes through the wicking layer 410. Thewater absorption layer 420 could be periodically removed and dried, suchas by example only, in a drying machine. Of course, a wicking layer 410may be used either with or without a water absorption layer 420 and acushioning layer, as described previously in other embodiments, and thewater absorption layer 420 could be used with or without a wicking layer410 and a cushioning layer. Additionally, both the wicking layer and/orthe absorption layer and/or the cushioning layer could be used with orwithout a tacky portion.

[0093] Returning to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 also illustrates an alternativeembodiment for insert portion 300. Whereas the previously disclosedembodiment for insert portion 300 was discussed as a single structuralmember that could include a tacky surface on a top side thereof, theembodiment of FIG. 3 for insert portion 300 is comprised of a pluralityof layers. As can be seen, layers 301-305, comprise insert portion 300.Each of the layers may include a tacky surface on a top side thereof, aswas described previously for insert portion 300. In use, a top-mostlayer, e.g., layer 301, may be removed from its adjacent lower layer,e.g., layer 302, and may be independently cleaned. After cleaning, thelayer may be reinstalled within recess 210 on top of the exposed layerof insert portion 300. In this manner, insert portion 300 may be cleanedby removing a top-most layer, cleaning that layer, and reinstalling thatlayer within recess 210. Whereas each layer is described as beingindependently cleanable, it is not required that each individual layerbe cleanable. Each layer may be formed of materials as describedpreviously when discussing the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 for theinsert portion.

[0094] Other alternative embodiments for insert portion 300 arecontemplated. For example, whereas the previously disclosed embodimentsdiscussed insert portion 300 as being comprised of one or more layerswith a tacky surface on a top side of the layer(s), it is not requiredthat insert portion 300 be formed with only a tacky surface on a topside thereof. More specifically, an alternative embodiment for insertportion 300 could include forming insert portion 300 as a singlestructural member from a material which is tacky in compositionthroughout the entire cross-section of the material. A material such asa blend of a noncross-linked hydrophilic thermoplastic, preferably apolyethylene glycol diacrylate with n not exceeding 15, and ahydrophobic material, such as a polyvinyl neoprene chloride, could beutilized for the insert portion of this embodiment. By forming insertportion 300 from a uniform, tacky material, the insert portion 300 doesnot necessarily have to be removed from recess 210 of base portion 200to be cleaned. Insert portion 300 could be cleaned in this alternativeembodiment by eroding the top surface of the insert portion as a resultof use of the insert portion. Thus, by providing an erodible insertportion, the insert portion may be cleaned by the erosion of its topsurface as the insert portion is used within floor mat 100.

[0095] As insert portion 300 erodes, the exposed surface of insertportion 300 continues to be tacky in composition because of its uniformcross-section. As the exposed tacky surface erodes, the dirt captured bythe exposed tacky surface will dissipate as a result of the erosion andthus, the erosion of the insert portion itself provides for a cleanableinsert portion.

[0096] Alternatively, even with a uniform cross-section of a tackysubstance for insert portion 300, the user may remove insert portion 300from recess 210 and separately clean insert portion 300. Thus, the useris not required to rely solely on the erodible characteristic of insertportion 300 for cleaning of insert portion 300; rather, the user mayutilize the erodible cleaning feature of the insert portion incombination with a separate cleaning step of removing the insert portionfrom the base portion and independently cleaning the insert portion.

[0097] As discussed above, insert portion 300 may be comprised of avariety of materials, including materials such as tacky plastics, paper,or adhesives that can be cleanable and may or may not be erodible andreusable. If paper is utilized, the insert portion may be formed as asingle structural member or as a plurality of layers, as discussedpreviously. Additionally, the paper may include a tacky surface on atopside thereof. The paper may be translucent, opaque, or colored, andmay include a graphic display thereon.

[0098] As discussed earlier, it is desirable, but not required, that thefloor mat contain a water dissipation and/or absorption capability. Thiscapability is desired to help prevent the tacky surface of the insertportion from becoming excessively wet and, thus, slippery. Whereas ithas been discussed that, in order to help prevent a user from slippingon the tacky surface of the insert portion, a water dissipation and/orabsorbing capability could be included in the floor mat to reduce thedegree of moisture on the tacky surface, this is not the only structurecontemplated for preventing the tacky insert portion from becomingslippery. Alternatively, the tacky insert portion itself could be formedto help prevent slipping. FIGS. 5-12 and 23-27 illustrate alternativeembodiments for tacky insert portion 300. FIG. 5 illustrates tackyinsert portion 300 as including a grid pattern 320 of channels 322 thatcould be comprised of a non-tacky material. The channels could be eitherraised from the surface of insert portion 300 or could lie co-planarwith the top surface of the insert portion. By forming the channels of anon-tacky material, even if the tacky material of insert portion 300became wet, a user would be assisted in not slipping on the slippery,wet tacky surface of the insert portion by the presence of the non-tackysurfaces which do not become slippery when wet.

[0099]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another alternative embodiment for tackyinsert portion 300 which includes anti-slip particles 324, e.g., siliconor sand particles, which extend above the top surface 330 of the tackyinsert portion. It is desirable that the anti-slip particles becomprised of a material that does not become slippery when wet and thatthey be exposed from the tacky surface, however, it is not required.Even if the anti-slip particles are embedded within the tacky surface,their extension above the top surface 330 of the tacky insert portionwill provide a physical frictional restraint against slipping for thesoles of a person's shoes who is standing on the floor mat.

[0100] Whereas FIG. 5 illustrates tacky insert portion 300 as includinga grid pattern 320 of channels 322 that could be comprised of anon-tacky material and FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate another alternativeembodiment for tacky insert portion 300 which includes anti-slipparticles 324 which extend above the top surface 330 of the tacky insertportion, it is not required that these two alternative embodimentscontain features that are mutually exclusive. For example, it iscontemplated that tacky insert portion 300 could include both a gridpattern of non-tacky channels and anti-slip particles, which is notillustrated specifically in the Figures but which can be easilyunderstood.

[0101] Another alternative for providing a slip-resistant tacky portionis to include a plurality of anti-slip members, or treads or nipples,that extend up through and slightly above the surface of the tackyportion. As can be seen in FIG. 8, in this embodiment, tacky portion 300is inserted within a base portion, which may be a water absorbent border500, and includes a plurality of apertures 342 within it. Each of aplurality of treads 344, which may extend upward from a base disposedunderneath tacky portion 300, extend up through one of the plurality ofapertures 342. A top-most end of each tread extends above a top-mostsurface 340 of tacky portion 300. As a person steps onto tacky portion300, the quantity and positioning of the treads 344 is such that thetacky portion is able to remove debris from the person's shoes and thetreads 344, at least one of which is stepped upon by the person,prevents slipping of the person on the tacky portion 300 should thetacky portion 300 become slippery when wet. The treads 344 may compresswhen stepped upon such that the top-most end of the tread is co-planarwith the top-most surface 340 of the tacky portion 300. In this manner,the tread will contact the person's shoes to prevent slipping but yetnot hinder contact between the person's shoes and the tacky surface ofthe mat, which enhances the cleaning of the person's shoes. Therefore,there is a relationship between the distance that the tread extendsabove the top-most surface of the tacky portion and the compressibilityof the tread; a relationship which provides the functionality discussedabove.

[0102] The treads may be configured in any shape and size. Additionally,the treads may be comprised of any material which is slip-resistant whenwet, such as, for example, rubber or plastics. The treads may includegrooves within them to further assist in preventing a person fromslipping on the tacky portion.

[0103]FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate additional alternative embodiments forboth the tacky insert portion 300 and the base portion 200 that help toprevent slipping on a potentially wet tacky portion. As can be seen inFIG. 9, and as discussed previously, tacky insert portion 300 iscomprised of a plurality of layers 301, 302, and 303. Whereas only threelayers are illustrated, it can be understood that any number of layerscan be utilized in the present invention. As can be seen, tacky layers301-303 each contain a plurality of integrally formed raised portions300A. These raised portions can help to prevent a person from slippingon the tacky portion by providing increased friction between the topsurface of the tacky layer, due to the raised portions, and the person'sshoes. Thus, these raised portions can substantially reduce thepotential for slipping on the tacky portion if it becomes wet.

[0104] The raised portion 300A can be formed in each layer in a varietyof ways and the present invention is not limited to any particularmethod. One method for forming the raised portions is to assemble thelayers into a pad of layers and then insert the entire pad into amachine press. One face of the press is flat and the other face, i.e.,that face that is facing the non-tacky, or underside, of the layers,contains an array of bosses or bumps. When the pad is pressed in themachine press, all of the tacky layers become embossed with the patternon the press face, causing the raised portions, or embossed portions, ineach tacky layer of the pad. Thus, each embossed portion is integrallyformed in each layer and is comprised of an indentation on theunderside, or non-tacky side, of each layer and a raised portion on theupperside, or tacky side, of each layer.

[0105] As can be understood, in the method as described above forforming the raised portions, the raised portions of each layer arealigned with the raised portions of each other layer. It is desirable,but not required, that the raised portions of each layer are aligned sothat their shape may be easily maintained when the layers are stackedone upon another.

[0106] As can be seen in FIG. 10, base portion 200 may also be formed tobe complementary to the embossed layers. The surface 200A that defines abottom of the recess of base portion 200, which receives within it thetacky layers 300, can be formed with raised portions 200B. These raisedportions are positioned so that they are aligned with the raisedportions in the tacky layers. Thus, the raised portions 200B on surface200A are positioned within the indentations in the lower-most tackylayer when the layers are inserted into the recess in the base portion.As can be understood, these raised portions help to retain and maintainthe raised portions in the tacky layer(s), particularly when only thelower-most layer(s) remain in the floor mat. However, it is not requiredthat the base portion be formed with raised portions in practicing thepresent invention. The layers may be formed with raised portions whetheror not the base portion includes complementary raised portions.

[0107] In another alternative embodiment for a tacky portion, the tackyportion could also include a water dissipating capability. The tackyportion could be comprised of a hydrophobic porous structure which wouldassist in dissipating water from the surface of the tacky portion.

[0108]FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate alternative embodiments for the floormat of the present invention that provide a water dissipating capabilityfor the tacky portion. As will be discussed, the embodiment of FIG. 11also helps to prevent a person from slipping on a potentially wet tackyportion.

[0109]FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment for tacky portion 300 where thetacky layers 301 and 302 of the tacky portion define a plurality ofapertures 300C therein. The apertures of each layer are aligned with theapertures of each other layer. Thus, because of the aligned apertures inthe layers, the tacky portion is able to drain surface water from thetop-most surface of the tacky portion, or from the soles of a person'sshoes that is standing on the tacky portion, through the apertures andto the base portion, within which the layers may be positioned. The baseportion, as discussed previously, may include a water dissipationcomponent and/or a water absorbing component which would move and/orabsorb the surface water drained from the tacky portion through theapertures.

[0110] The apertures would also provide for helping to prevent slippingon a wet surface of the layers, not only by draining surface water fromthe surface, but by also providing for enhanced frictional contactbetween the shoes of the person stepping on the layer and the layeritself. The apertures provide for discontinuities in the surface of thelayer which would enhance the frictional contact between the person'sshoes and the layer. The edges of the surface of the layer which definethe apertures would provide for this enhanced contact. The person'sshoes would engage with the edges, thus enhancing frictional contact forthe shoes. Additionally, the apertures would act as a suction on thebottoms of the person's shoes, e.g., like suction cups. This suctioncaused by the apertures on the person's shoes would also help to preventslippage on the surface of the layer.

[0111]FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment for the floor mat of thepresent invention that also provides a water dissipating capability forthe tacky portion. As can be seen, tacky portion 300 includes layers 301and 302. Base portion 200 defines a recess where layers 301 and 302 aredisposed within the recess. A surface of the base portion that defines abottom of the recess includes a raised portion 200C at or near a centerposition within the recess. Thus, the raised portion 200C of the baseportion forms a raised portion in each of the layers. As can beunderstood, the raised portion formed in the layers acts to dissipatesurface water on the layers from the layers. The surface water willdrain off of the layers under the force of gravity due to the raisedportion.

[0112] Again, any number of layers may be included in tacky portion 300in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0113] It is also contemplated that a water absorbing powder, such as atalcum powder, could be provided in the present invention. The powdercould either be integrated into the floor mat or be separatelyassociated with the floor mat. The talcum powder would remove moisturefrom the soles of a person's shoes when the person stepped into thepowder and the tacky insert portion could then remove the powder fromthe person's soles, in addition to any dirt on the soles, when theperson next steps on the tacky insert portion.

[0114] The present invention also provides an apparatus and method fordetermining when the tacky portion, or a layer in the tacky portion,should be removed for cleaning. Since the tacky portion assists inremoving dirt from the soles of the person's shoes that steps on thetacky portion, the tacky portion, or a layer thereof, will become dirtyafter some number of persons step on the it, assuming that anyparticular person's shoes are not exceptionally dirty. Therefore, itwould be desirable to assist a person in deciding when to remove a dirtytacky portion for cleaning. Again, as discussed above, thisdetermination can be made after a certain number of persons step on themat. Thus, an embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG.13 includes a sensor system 700 that detects the presence of a person onthe floor mat 100. The sensor system 700 may detect the presence of aperson on base portion 200 and/or tacky portion 300. Since it is assumedthat a person who steps on base portion 200 will also step on tackyportion 300, sensing the person's presence on either portion issufficient for practicing the present invention.

[0115] Sensor system 700 includes a sensor 710 and a display device 720,e.g., an LED, coupled to sensor 710 and disposed on mat 100 such that itcan be viewed. A power source, such as a battery, may be included on anunderside of the floor mat. As mentioned above, sensor 710 senses thepresence of a person on mat 100, e.g., in this embodiment on tackyportion 300. The sensor can detect the person's presence by utilizingany of a variety of apparatuses and methods and can include sensing thepressure applied to the mat by the weight of the person standing on themat or by sensing the motion across the surface of the mat by themovements of the person. Thus, pressure sensors and motion detectors maybe utilized in the present invention. Sensor system 700 also determinesthe number of persons that have stepped on the mat 100 by counting thenumber of sensed presences. After the number of presences equals adefined number of presences, a signal is provided to display device 720,e.g., illuminating the LED, which indicates that the tacky portionshould be removed for cleaning. The present invention is not limited toremoving the tacky portion at any particular number of sensed presencesand the number may be adjusted based on the particular environmentalconditions in which the mat is utilized. Of course, as can beunderstood, after the dirty tacky portion or layer is removed and/orcleaned the sensor system can be reset to begin counting the totalnumber of presences on the newly cleaned or exposed layer.

[0116] Alarm device 720 can provide either a visual, audible, orvibratory signal and the present invention is not limited to providingany particular type of signal. For example, a visual signal couldconsist of a light that is illuminated when the floor mat should becleaned and that is not illuminated when the floor mat does not requirecleaning. Alternatively, the light could be continuously illuminated inone of a plurality of different colors, with each color signifying adifferent state of cleanliness for the floor mat. For example, a greenlight could signify that the mat does not need cleaning. A yellow lightcould indicate the mat is reaching a state of dirtiness that will soonrequire cleaning. A red light, which could blink on and off, couldsignify that it is time to clean the floor mat.

[0117] The sensor system of the present invention may be utilized withany of the embodiments disclosed for the cleanable portion, which may ormay not be an insert and may or may not include layers and a tackysurface(s), and the base portion.

[0118] Whereas cleanable portion 300 has been discussed as an insertportion, it is not required that cleanable portion 300 be inserted intofloor mat 100. There exists many alternative possibilities forassociating cleanable portion 300 with floor mat 100. For example,cleanable portion 300 could be placed on top of base portion 200 orcould be positioned adjacent to base portion 200. The present inventionis not limited to inserting any of the embodiments for cleanable portion300 within base portion 200.

[0119] For example, FIG. 14 illustrates a tacky portion 300 and anon-tacky portion 200, which may include a water dissipation component,a water absorbing component, and a cushioning component, as discussedpreviously, that are separable. As can be seen in FIG. 14, tacky portion300 may be bordered within a border 500, which may be water absorbent,water dissipative, and include a cushioning component, and may include aplurality of apertures 342 and treads 344 within it. Tacky portion 300can include any of the embodiments previously discussed. An attachmentlayer 600 is positioned on an underside of both border 500 of tackyportion 300 and non-tacky portion 200. The border 500 and/or non-tackyportion 200 may be releasably attached to attachment layer 600. Thus,through attachment layer 600, border 500, and therefore tacky portion300, and non-tacky portion 200 are releasably attachable to each other.In this manner, it is possible to, for example, position non-tackyportion 200 outside of a person's home on the front porch and tackyportion 300 within the person's home.

[0120] Attachment layer 600 can be any of a variety of materials. Allthat is required is that the attachment layer be able to releasable joinone portion of the floor mat to a second portion of the floor mat. Forexample, a hook and loop fastener assembly, e.g., Velcro®, can be usedwith one portion of the assembly on the attachment layer and the otherportion on the underside of the first portion of the floor mat and thesecond portion of the floor mat. Alternatively, an adhesive can beutilized to releasably join the two portions of the floor mat to theattachment layer. Additionally, snaps, including any type of male/femaleconnector, may be used to join the two portions to the attachment layer.

[0121]FIG. 15 illustrates a first process step in utilizing anembodiment of the floor mat 100 of the present invention. As wasdescribed previously, an embodiment of floor mat 100 includes a baseportion 200 and an insert portion 300. As can be seen in FIG. 15, and aswas also discussed previously, a different graphic display 220 ispresent in the embodiment of FIG. 15 than was illustrated in theembodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2. Thus, FIG. 15 displays a “Hello” messagewith “smiley face” representations in the graphic 220.

[0122] As can be seen in FIG. 15, in utilizing an embodiment of thepresent invention, a user would first step upon base portion 200. Asdiscussed earlier, base portion 200 may include a water dissipatingand/or absorbing component and is thus able to assist in removing anymoisture from the soles of the person's shoes. As was also discussedearlier, because base portion 200, in one embodiment, also includes acushioning component, base portion 200 conforms to the person's soleswhen the person steps upon base portion 200. Whereas not illustrated inFIG. 15, as discussed previously, an antibacterial composition, anantifungal composition, a fragrance, or any other cleaning substance mayalso be associated with floor mat 100 and applied to the soles of theperson's shoes when the person applies pressure to floor mat 100.

[0123] As can be seen in FIG. 16, the second process step in utilizingthe present invention includes the person stepping onto insert portion300 of floor mat 100. As discussed previously, insert portion 300 mayinclude a tacky surface on a top side thereof for assisting in removingdebris from the soles of the person's shoes. Additionally, antibacterialcompositions, antifungal compositions, fragrances, or other cleaningcompositions may also be included within insert portion 300 fordispensing to the soles of the person's shoes.

[0124] After the person steps onto insert portion 300, the user thensteps off of floor mat 100. As described previously, floor mat 100 maybe cleaned after an accumulation of dirt on insert portion 300 by any ofthe methods described previously. Insert portion 300 may be removed frombase portion 200 and cleaned, a layer may be removed from insert portion300 to be cleaned or discarded, or insert portion 300 may be cleanedthrough erosion of insert portion 300. The present invention is notlimited to any particular methodology for cleaning insert portion 300 offloor mat 100.

[0125] FIGS. 17-22 illustrate further alternative embodiments for thefloor mat of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 17, in thisembodiment for the floor mat, floor mat 1700 includes a cleanableportion 1710 and a plurality of base portions 1720A-D. As can be seen,cleanable portion 1710 is positioned within one of base portions1720A-D. In this manner, the floor mat 1700 can be customized for aparticular user by interchanging the cleanable portion 1710 with one ofa variety of base portions 1720A-D. The base portions 1720A-D can beformed in any of a variety of physical configurations and can includeany of a variety of themes, graphics, or colors. Thus, a commoncleanable portion 1710 may be utilized with a variety of base portions1720A-D.

[0126] FIGS. 18-20 illustrate another alternative embodiment for a floormat 1800 in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Ascan be seen in FIG. 18, floor mat 1800 also includes a cleanable portion1810 and a base portion 1820. As discussed previously, cleanable portion1810 is received within base portion 1820. In this embodiment, cleanableportion 1810 is comprised of a single sheet 1810A. The single sheet1810A may be tacky on a top-side thereof and may include aperturestherein to receive anti-slip nipples though it, as was also discussedpreviously. The single sheet 1810A, in this embodiment, may be removedand replaced with another sheet when dirty.

[0127]FIG. 19 illustrates that a plurality of sheets 1810B-D, may beattached to each other and rolled into a roll 1830 of sheets. The sheetscan be joined to each other at a perforated joint to provide for ease inseparating a sheet from the roll of sheets. As can be understood, asheet may be separated from the roll of remaining sheets and may be theninserted into base portion 1820.

[0128]FIG. 20 illustrates that the roll of sheets 1830 may be stored ina storage device 1840, such as, for example, by mounting the roll ofsheets 1830 on a cabinet door, which may be located in proximity to thefloor mat. In this manner, replacements sheets are easily organized andstored for use.

[0129] Alternatively, instead of organizing the sheets in a roll andstoring the roll in a cabinet, the sheets could be folder one uponanother such that they form a flat package. The package of sheets couldthen be stored underneath of the floor mat 1800 where individual sheetscould be removed from the package and from under the floor mat, whenneeded, similar to the way a Kleenex(® tissue is dispensed.

[0130]FIG. 21 illustrates another alternative embodiment for a floor matin accordance with the present invention. Floor mat 2100 also includes acleanable/scrapable portion 2110 and a base portion 2120. In thisembodiment, cleanable portion 2110 is formed, as discussed previously inthis application, as a single structural member from a material which istacky in composition throughout the entire cross-section of thematerial. As was also discussed previously, by forming portion 2110 froma uniform, tacky material, the portion 2110 does not necessarily have tobe removed from the base portion 2120 to be cleaned. However, in theembodiment previously discussed, the cleanable portion 2110 could becleaned by eroding the top surface of the insert portion as a result ofuse of the insert portion. In the embodiment of FIG. 21, the cleanableportion is cleaned by scraping off a top surface of approximately 2-3microns from the cleanable portion 2110 by utilizing a scraper 2130.

[0131] Scraper 2130 can include any of a variety of structures, however,all that is required is that the scraper be capable of removing a topsurface from cleanable portion 2110. For example, any type of scrapingsurface can be utilized in scraper 2130, such as, for example, a dullknife, a razor, or a plane.

[0132] Scraper 2130 is movable on tracks 2140, 2145. Tracks 2140, 2145are adjacent to cleanable portion 2110 and base portion 2120. Scraper2130 may include wheels or other structures, e.g., pins, which arereceived within complementary structures, e.g., grooves, in tracks 2140,2145. Thus, scraper 2130 is movable across cleanable portion 2110 ontracks 2140, 2145. The scraper 2130 may only include a scraping surfaceon the portion of scraper 2130 that is movable across cleanable portion2110. Additionally, it is not required that two tracks be utilized. Thescraper could be movable within a single track.

[0133] Scraper 2130 may be moved by any of a variety of methods,including using the foot of a user to engage with the scraper to movethe scraper on the tracks.

[0134] Floor mat 2100 also includes a catch basin 2150 that may beincluded at one or both ends of tracks 2140, 2145. Catch basin(s) 2150includes a recess into which is deposited the shavings from cleanableportion 2110 after scraper 2130 scrapes the cleanable portion. Scraper2130 moves the shavings off of the cleanable portion and into the catchbasin 2150. The shavings from the cleanable portion deposited into thecatch basin may be removed from the catch basin in any of a variety ofways, including, for example, by vacuuming the shavings from the catchbasin or removing a detachable catch basin, throwing away the contentsfrom the catch basin, and reinstalling the catch basin.

[0135] As can be understood, as the cleanable portion is shaved, thescraper is commensurately lowered on tracks 2140, 2145 such that thesurface of the scraper that engages with the cleanable portion remainsengaged with the cleanable portion. As such, for example, the scrapermay be mounted on a ratchet mechanism such that, as the scraper is movedacross a complete width of the floor mat, the scraper actuates theratchet such that the ratchet lowers the scraper. Alternatively, thescraper could remain in the same relative position with respect to thetracks and the tracks could be ratcheted lower with respect to the baseportion and cleanable portion. Additionally, the blade surface of thescraper could be lowered with respect to the scraper's structure suchthat the blade is moved relative to the cleanable portion and the baseportion but the scraper remains in the same relative position withrespect to the tracks and the cleanable portion and the base portion.

[0136] Additionally, it is not required that a base portion be utilizedin the embodiment for floor mat 2100. The cleanable portion alone can beutilized with the tracks adjacent the cleanable portion and the scrapermovable on the tracks. A catch basin(s) could still be utilized. Assuch, FIG. 22 illustrates an embodiment for floor mat 2200 that includesa cleanable portion 2210 without use of a base portion. Cleanableportion 2210 is adjacent to tracks 2240, 2245. Scraper 2230 is movableon tracks 2240, 2245. A catch basin 2250 may be included at one or bothends of tracks 2240,2245.

[0137] As discussed above, there is no known single chemistry whichprovides a tacky surface which is tacky both when wet and when dry, andyet not too tacky under either condition. Accordingly, in still furtheralternative embodiments of the present invention, a dual chemistry maybe used for the tacky surface. The dual chemistry combines adhesivecompositions of two different types. Adhesive compositions of one typeare optimally adhesive when dry. Adhesive compositions of the other typeare optimally adhesive when wet. In combination, the adhesivecompositions of the two types can be used to provide a top exposedsurface that is optimally tacky both when wet and when dry. Thus, when aperson's shoe comes in contact with the top exposed surface, the surfaceprovides good tackiness when the surface is either dry or wet, and helpsto prevent the person from slipping when the surface is wet.

[0138] By “optimally tacky” as used in the foregoing, it is meant that,while either of the two types of adhesive compositions may retain sometackiness when either dry or wet, one type has a best or serviceablelevel of tackiness under dry conditions, while the other type has a bestor serviceable level of tackiness under wet conditions.

[0139] A material that comprises the two types of adhesive compositionsand presents the top exposed tacky surface that comes in contact with ashoe could assume a variety of embodiments. For example, thedual-chemistry top exposed tacky surface could be the surface of a tacky“insert” or “portion,” such as insert 300 described in the foregoing,designed to cooperate with a non-tacky base portion.

[0140] On the other hand, the dual-chemistry top exposed tacky surfacemight not be a surface of a tacky “insert” or “portion” as such. Rather,the dual-chemistry top exposed tacky surface could be the substantiallythe entirety of the usable surface of an independent floor mat.

[0141] Whether the dual-chemistry tacky surface is used in combinationwith a non-tacky portion, or whether it is substantially the entirety ofthe usable surface of an independent floor mat, a separate structuralmember for an anti-slip component does not need to be used inconjunction with the tacky surface to prevent slipping on the tackysurface when the tacky surface becomes wet. On the other hand, ifdesired, a separate structural member for an anti-slip component couldbe used with the tacky surface.

[0142] Generally, the material that presents the tacky surface comprisesa combination of components having chemistries that respectively areoptimally tacky when dry or optimally tacky when wet, such that thecombination as a whole presents a top exposed tacky surface that retainsa serviceable level of tackiness when either wet or dry. Moreparticularly, when the tackiness of components having a chemistry whichis optimally tacky when dry is reduced due to the presence of moisture,the loss of tackiness is compensated for by the components having achemistry which is optimally tacky when wet. On the other hand, when thetackiness of components having a chemistry which is optimally tacky whenwet is reduced due to the absence of moisture, the loss of tackiness iscompensated for by the components having a chemistry which is optimallytacky when dry

[0143] The components could be combined in a pattern of alternatingregions with tacky-when-dry properties and tacky-when-wet properties,respectively. The components could be combined such that the compositematerial is segmented into regions with distinct characteristics suchthat the material has a substantially non uniform composition. On theother hand, the components could be combined with a fine granularity,such that the material has a substantially uniform composition.

[0144]FIG. 23 illustrates one possible embodiment of a multi-layerassembly 10 including a material that presents a top exposed tackysurface that is tacky when either wet or dry. The layers include a toplayer 11, which comprises a material that presents a top exposed tackysurface that is tacky both when wet and when dry. The material comprisesat least three types of distinct “domains.” A “domain,” with respect toa composition of the top layer 11, refers to a discrete constituentsegment of the top layer with chemical properties distinct from otherdiscrete constituent segments.

[0145] The domains in top layer 11 include a tacky domain withpressure-sensitive adhesive characteristics and high surface energy.This tacky domain could comprise, for example, copolymers of alkylmethacrylates and difunctional comonomers such as acrylamides, epoxyacrylates, or urethane terminated acrylates and pressure-sensitivepolysiloxane derivatives.

[0146] A second domain of the top layer 11 is a non-tacky hydrophobicdomain of low surface energy. This non-tacky hydrophobic domain couldcomprise, for example, polyalkyl fluroacrylates, acrylic terminatedfluoroacrylamides, or fluorosulfonamides, polysiloxanes derivatized withone or two acrylate groups, celluloses derivatized with acrylates,styrene butadiene copolymers or acyclic acrylates or methacrylates. Themethacrylates could include, for example, cyclohexane methacrylate,norbomene methacrylate, or isobornyl methacrylate.

[0147] A third domain of the top layer 11 is a hydrophilic domain. Thehydrophilic domain could comprise, for example, hydroxyethylmethacrylate, polyacrylic and methacrylic acids and their salts,polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxymethylenes, polyamides, polyesters andpolyimides of unsaturated dicarboxylic acids.

[0148] In the top layer 11, tacky domains could be cross-linked, andhydrophilic domains could be cross-linked, with a cross-link density,respectively, ranging from 5-20 mole percent. The material of the toplayer is either in an elastomeric or a leathery state in a range oftemperatures in which the floor mat would be in service. A desired rangeof glass transition temperatures is 5-25° C.

[0149] In the top layer 11, a plurality of tacky domains areinterspersed with a plurality of hydrophilic domains. The hydrophilicdomains modulate the overall tackiness of the top layer 11, by causing atackiness of the top layer 11 in a dry state to be substantially equalto a tackiness of the top layer 11 in a wet state.

[0150] A function of the hydrophobic domains of low surface energy is toprevent the formation of a continuous film of water over the top layer,and therefore increase the rate of drainage. The hydrophobic domainsalso enhance the pressure dependency of the tackiness of the top layer,thereby reducing tackiness in the absence of a force. This can help toprevent excessive tackiness when pressure is applied as the floor mat isactually being used, and to prevent the tacky surface collecting anexcessive amount of airborne particulate matter.

[0151] The overall morphology of polymeric layer 11 is miceller, withthe hydrophobic domains being substantially at or near the surface ofthe layer, and the hydrophilic and tacky domains being substantiallybelow the surface of the layer. The hydrophilic and the tacky domainsmigrate to the surface under wet conditions, and together, provide thetackiness needed to attract dirt, bacteria and the like from footwear orother surface to be cleaned, and to help prevent slipping on the tackysurface when it is wet.

[0152] In fabricating the top layer 11, domain formation can be enhancedthrough the use of solvent-induced crystallization. Depending upon thechosen method of manufacturing or assembly of the tacky portion, furtherenhancements may be possible through selective orientation of thedomains during the extrusion, laminating or application process of thetop layer 11.

[0153] In addition to a top layer 11 as described above, the multi-layerassembly 10 could also include at least one hydrophobic layer 12. On oneside thereof, the hydrophobic layer 12 could be adjacent to the toplayer 11. The hydrophobic layer 12 could be made of a hydrophobiccopolymer. Examples of such a hydrophobic copolymer include methylmethacrylate copolymers, a styrene butadiene co-polymer, and polyalkylor polyaryl siloxanes. The hydrophobic layer 12 could be bonded to thetop layer 11 by means of, for example, an acrylic adhesive. The glasstransition temperature of the hydrophobic layer may be in the range5-150° C.

[0154] The hydrophobic layer 12 is designed to efficiently transportwater from the top layer 11. The composition of the hydrophobic layer 12is selected to minimize solubility of water and maximize its diffusivityin the hydrophobic layer 12. Polysiloxanes as constituents of thehydrophobic layer 12 are especially desirable from this point of view.It is also important to minimize the swelling characteristics of thehydrophobic layer 12 in the presence of water, because the desiredfunction of this layer is to promote drainage and remain relatively dry.

[0155] On a side opposite the side adjacent to the top layer 11, thehydrophobic layer 12 may be adjacent to a hydrophilic layer 13 made ofpolyvinyl alcohol, polyoxymethylenes, polyhydroxy esters or amides. Thecross-link density of this hydrophilic layer 13 could be between 10-30mole percent, and its glass transition temperature could be in the range−30° C. to 10° C.

[0156] The hydrophilic layer 13 is capable of absorbing watertransported to it by the hydrophobic layer 12. The hydrophilic layer 13may be adhesively bonded to adjacent layers. Absorption of water by thehydrophilic layer increases its thickness. The composition andcross-link density of the hydrophilic layer may be selected so that thislayer can hold up to twice its weight in water (swelling ratio 200%). Afunction of the hydrophilic layer is to act as a reservoir of water,when removal of water through evaporation is slow. At the same time, thecross-link density and functionality of the hydrophilic layer iscarefully controlled so that it does not unduly retain moisture.

[0157] The multi-layer assembly 10 could further include a bottom layer14 for contact with a floor. The bottom layer 14 could be made of awear-resistant, anti-skid polymer such as a polyurethane, a styrenebutadiene copolymer, or a polycarbonate. Other materials suitable forforming the bottom layer 14 include acrylic terminated aromaticpolyurethanes and epoxides. The bottom layer 14 could generally becross-linked highly (e.g., 10-50 mole percent), and its glass transitiontemperature, when measurable, could be below 5° C. and in any case below10C. The bottom layer 14 could be formed so as to have a high surfaceenergy, so that it does not lose all affinity to a floor surface even inthe presence of a film of water on the floor surface.

[0158] The bottom layer 14 could be especially useful if the multi-layerassembly 10 were being used as an independent floor mat. On the otherhand, if the multi-layer assembly 10 were being used as an insert incombination with a non-tacky portion, the bottom layer 14 might not bepresent. Instead, an adhesive might be used on a surface of hydrophiliclayer 13 for contacting the non-tacky portion, to ensure adhesion of themulti-layer assembly 10 to the non-tacky portion.

[0159] The top layer 11 could be about 50-500 microns in thickness. Thehydrophobic layer 12 could be about 100-1000 microns in thickness, andthe hydrophilic layer 13 could be about 250-1500 microns in thickness.The bottom layer 14 could be approximately 250-1000 microns inthickness.

[0160] The multi-layer assembly 10 could be embossed with a pattern toincrease surface area, and could be perforated with a pattern of holes(2-10 mm in diameter) to provide drainage.

[0161] A multi-layer assembly 10 could be assembled by manufacturingeach of the above-described layers separately, and then bonding themtogether using conventional processes. Alternatively, for example, thetop layer 11 could be fabricated first, and then the other layers couldbe successively applied or bonded to the top layer 11 and to each other.

[0162] According to other alternative embodiments, the top layer 11could comprise a material having a uniform composition. By uniformcomposition, it is meant that the material is not divided into domains,but instead is more finely grained such that the material has chemicalproperties that are substantially constant throughout the material. Thechemical properties are such that the material can absorb water whileretaining tackiness.

[0163] For example, the material of uniform composition in top layer 11could be made of polymers, such as block copolymers or a graftedcopolymer. The polymers could be pressure-sensitive adhesives coated orgrafted with hydrophilic monomers followed by a further grafting of afluoroacrylate. Alternatively, the material of uniform composition couldcomprise a mixture of pressure-sensitive adhesives with hydrophilicfillers such as fibers or microspheres to bind water.

[0164] As noted above, the multi-layer assembly could be perforated forimproved water drainage. FIG. 24 illustrates one embodiment of aperforation pattern formed in a multi-layer assembly 15 comprising fourlayers as described above. Circular holes 16 are punched, cut, ordrilled through all four layers. While circular holes are shown by wayof example, the holes could be of any arbitrary shape.

[0165] Additional embodiments of the present invention could utilize twofundamentally different adhesive compositions arranged in some arbitrarypattern. A first adhesive composition could be pressure-sensitive andtacky when dry. A second adhesive composition could be hydrophilic andtacky when wet. The pattern could be a pattern of regions of the firstadhesive composition alternating with the second adhesive composition.Examples of tacky-when-dry adhesives includepoly(ethyleneco-vinylacatate) and polyvinylbutyral. Examples oftacky-when-wet adhesives include mixtures containing natural andsynthetic rubbers in the presence of plasticizers mixed withhydrocolloid gums and the following class of chemistries: copolymers oftwo amino ethyl ethacrylate and nbutly methacrylate.

[0166]FIG. 25 illustrates a perspective view of a cross section of amulti-layer assembly 17 utilizing two fundamentally different adhesivecompositions as described above. A top layer 18 comprises a checkerboardpattern 19 of tacky-when-wet adhesives alternating with tacky-when-dryadhesives. The checkerboard pattern is shown only by way of example andother alternating patterns are contemplated in the present invention. Abottom layer 20 is a wear-resistant anti-skid layer for contacting afloor. The bottom layer 20 could be especially useful if the multi-layerassembly 17 were being used as an independent floor mat. On the otherhand, if the multi-layer assembly 17 were being used as an insert incombination with a non-tacky portion, the bottom layer 20 might not bepresent. Instead, an adhesive might be used on a surface of layer 18 forcontacting the non-tacky portion.

[0167]FIG. 26 is perspective view of a cross section of a multi-layerassembly 21 illustrating yet another embodiment of the presentinvention. A top layer 22 comprises a tacky-when-dry adhesive. A secondlayer 23 comprises a hydrophilic tacky-when-wet adhesive. A bottom layer24 is a wear-resistant anti-skid layer for contacting a floor.

[0168] Holes 25 are formed in the top layer 22 to enable contact by thesole of a shoe or other surface to be cleaned with the tacky-when-wetadhesive at the same time that the tacky-when-dry adhesive is contacted.Since the second layer 23 is also hydrophilic, it will swell and fillthe holes 25 when wet, providing greater access to the tacky-when-wetadhesive of layer 23 by a surface to be cleaned, such as the sole of ashoe.

[0169]FIG. 27 illustrates another embodiment wherein the material thatpresents the top exposed tacky surface has a substantially uniformcomposition. The material comprises a blend of materials that are tackywhen dry with materials that are tacky when wet. The tacky-when-wetmaterials include certain hydrocolloid gums (e.g., gaur gum, locust beangum, and the like). Since these hydrocolloid gums have a large capacityfor absorbing moisture, they should provide good wet adhesive ortackiness. The tacky-when-dry materials, which are alsopressure-sensitive, could include synthetic and/or natural rubbers inthe presence of plasticizers. The synthetic and/or natural rubbers couldbe, for example, polyisobutylenes, natural rubber, silicone rubbers,acrylonitrile rubbers, polyurethane rubbers, butyl rubber elastomer, andthe like.

[0170] The strength and uniformity of a blend of tacky-when-wet andtacky-when-dry materials as described above could be increased by theintroduction of a cohesive strengthening agent to the blend. Thecohesive strengthening agent could, for example, be one or more ofnatural and artificial fibrous materials such as wood cellulose, cotton,or Dacron.

[0171] In FIG. 27, a top layer 27 of a multi-layer assembly 26 comprisesa blend of pressure-sensitive dry adhesive with a hydrocolloid gum,mixed with a cohesive strengthening agent. Due to the cohesivestrengthening agent, a surface 28 of the top layer 27 has a uniformappearance of a single material. A bottom layer 29 is a wear-resistantanti-skid layer for contacting a floor. The bottom layer 29 might not bepresent if the layer 27 is being used as an insert.

[0172] Any of the materials that present a top exposed tacky surfacethat is tacky both when wet and when dry as described above could beused in combination with each other, or in combination with any of theother layers described. For example, either of layers 18 or 27 could beused in combination with a hydrophobic layer and a hydrophilic layer.

[0173] In embodiments according to the present invention, a waterdrainage capability is provided to alleviate undesirable effects ofmoisture which may become trapped in the mat. Trapped moisture in themat could cause mold, bacteria, or algae to form. Such molds, bacteria,and algae are often the source of certain allergic reactions and otherillnesses experienced by people. Besides the potential risk of illness,the trapped moisture can also cause an unpleasant odor near and aroundthe mat.

[0174] In FIG. 28A, an example of a mat support and drainage structure30 is shown. The mat support and drainage structure includes supportmembers 31 to support a floor mat placed thereon and keep itsubstantially level. The support members 31 may be radially arranged.Upper surfaces of the support members 31 for contacting a mat placedthereon are substantially co-planar. Between pairs of support members,there is a sloping plane or surface 32 for directing water that comesinto contact with the surface downward, allowing the water to drain toedges of the mat support and drainage structure. Embodiments may includea retention reservoir 33 near one or more edges of the mat support anddrainage structure. Walls 112 may be arranged on sides of the slopingsurfaces and support members. In other embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 28C and FIG. 32B, the retention reservoir is not utilized.

[0175] A bevel 111 may be formed in the walls 112 to prevent people fromtripping over the mat support and drainage structure. The slope andextent of the bevel may vary depending upon the height and size of themat support and drainage structure. The bevel shown is only an example;other bevel shapes and sizes are also possible and are well known tothose skilled in the art.

[0176] The mat support and drainage structure 30 can be made from anynumber of materials, for example, plastic or rubber. The mat support anddrainage structure 30 could be molded, thermoformed, stamped orotherwise manufactured depending upon the choice of material, and thenumber of pieces to be manufactured.

[0177]FIG. 28B illustrates another possible embodiment for a mat supportand drainage structure. The mat support and drainage structure 34comprises walls 35 with a plurality of sloping surfaces 36 that providewater drainage due to gravity. A plurality of sloping surfaces such assurfaces 36 may be referred to herein as a “gravitating portion.”Surfaces 36 are supported by support members 37 positioned between asurface 99 of the mat support and drainage structure, and the slopingsurfaces. In the embodiment of FIG. 28B, upper surfaces of supportmembers 37 are substantially co-planar with sloping surfaces 36 (i.e.,the support members do not extend beyond a plane of the sloping surfacesas in the embodiment of FIG. 28A). As moisture comes into contact withsurfaces 36, it will run down these surfaces and into a retentionreservoir 38 which circumscribes the gravitating portion of the matsupport and drainage structure 34.

[0178] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28B, a mat placed on matsupport and drainage structure 34 is supported by an apex 100 formed byadjoining surfaces 36, and by walls 35 of the mat support and drainagestructure. Transverse members may be added to provide additional supportfor the mat. This additional support is not necessarily required forsmaller mats of relatively rigid construction.

[0179]FIG. 28C illustrates an example where the mat support and drainagestructure does not have a retaining reservoir. Here the mat support anddrainage structure 39 is constructed so that the water flows freely outone or more ends 40 of the mat support and drainage structure. This typeof base would preferably be used with mats designed for outdoor use.

[0180] In the embodiments described in FIGS. 28B and 28C, a gravitatingportion was described as being supported by support members.Alternatively, a gravitating portion could also be constructed from asingle piece of material with varying thickness to create the desiredgravitating water flow. Although such construction could require morematerial, such construction may be simpler to manufacture. An example ofa mat support and drainage structure including a one-piece gravitatingportion is illustrated in FIG. 28D. In FIG. 28D, showing a mat supportand drainage structure 3000, a gravitating portion 3001 is fabricatedfrom a single piece of material having a thickness that decreases towardedges 3003 thereof. The single piece of material could have a maximumthickness at an apex 3002 at or near a center thereof. The single piecesof material thereby presents two adjoining sloping surfaces forming anapex, for directing water coming into contact therewith downward.

[0181] The mat support and drainage structure 3000 would support a matplaced thereon at the apex 3002 of the gravitating portion 3001 and atwalls 3004. Transverse members 3005 may be utilized as additionalsupport for the mat if the mat is particularly large. The mat supportand drainage structure 3000 is shown with a retaining reservoir 3006 butthis is may not be required where the mat is used outdoors.

[0182] Shapes for a gravitating portion other than that illustrated forgravitating portion 3001 are also suitable for water drainage asdescribed above. For example, an inverted bowl or a 3-or-more-sidedpyramid are just a few other shapes that could perform a gravitatingfunction for water drainage as described.

[0183]FIG. 29 illustrates placement of a mat onto one of the mat supportand drainage structures described by, for example, FIGS. 28A-D. In theexample of FIG. 29, a mat 42 is sized for the mat support and drainagestructure 43 such that the only exposed area of the mat support anddrainage structure 43 is a section of retention reservoir on ends of themat 42. The sizing of the mat 42 allows the water to evaporate from theexposed retention reservoir rather than staying trapped under the mat.For outdoor use, this exposed retention reservoir may not be requiredand, in such cases, the mat 42 could be sized to extend over the entiretop exposed surface of the mat support and drainage structure.Additionally, for outdoor use, walls of the mat support and drainagestructure could be removed from sides of the mat support and drainagestructure, allowing water to run onto, for example, outdoor steps or anoutdoor walkway where the water is not likely to cause any damage. Itshould be noted, however, that a retention reservoir can be usedoutdoors as well.

[0184] Mat 42 could be embodied in any of a variety of forms thatcooperate with the mat support and drainage structure. Mat 42 could be,for example, any commercially available floor mat. Alternatively, mat 42could be any of the embodiments of a floor mat as described herein, orcomponents of a floor mat as described herein. For example, mat 42 couldcomprise solely a tacky portion, solely a non-tacky portion, or could bea combination of a tacky portion and a non-tacky portion. Or, mat 42could be either a single layer or a multi-layer mat comprising atacky-when-dry and tacky-when-wet material as described above. Mat 42could include a base portion. The mat support and drainage structurecould be separable from any of the embodiments of the mat 42 asdescribed, or could be integrally formed with the mat 42.

[0185]FIG. 30 illustrates still further alternative embodimentsaccording to the invention. In FIG. 30, a mat arrangement 44 comprises anon-tacky portion 45 and a tacky portion 49 cooperating with a matsupport and drainage structure 46. In this mat arrangement, non-tackyportion 45, which may have water-absorptive and water-wickingproperties, is positioned over gravitating portion 47 of mat support anddrainage structure 46. A substantially planar section 48 of the matsupport and drainage structure 46 adjacent to gravitating portion 47 isconfigured to receive a tacky portion 49. The tacky portion 49 could bea single layer or a plurality of layers, and cover only a portion of theplanar section 48. The plurality of layers could be separable,disposable tacky sheets. A recess could be formed in planar section 48,configured to receive either a single-layer or multiple-layer tackyportion 49. Alternatively, the tacky portion 49, either as a singlelayer or a plurality of layers, could extend over the entirety of theplanar section 48 and abut non-tacky portion 45.

[0186] A mat for cooperating with a mat support and drainage structure46 need not be separate non-tacky and tacky portions as illustrated inFIG. 30. Instead, a mat for cooperating with a mat support and drainagestructure 46 could be a single integrated piece, with a non-tacky, waterabsorbing portion configured to be positioned over gravitating portion47, and a tacky portion configured to be positioned over planar section48.

[0187] By positioning the non-tacky, water-absorptive portion over thegravitating portion as described above, water that drains from thewater-absorptive portion may be stored in the mat support and drainagestructure until it evaporates or is otherwise removed. Meanwhile, thetacky portion may stay relatively dry, by virtue of the absorptiveportion of the mat being placed in front of the tacky portion, withrespect to a person approaching the mat.

[0188] In another embodiment, both the tacky and non-tacky portionscould be positioned over the gravitating portion. FIG. 31 illustratessuch an arrangement. In FIG. 31, a mat arrangement 50 includes both anon-tacky water-absorptive portion 51 and a tacky portion 52 beingpositioned over a gravitating portion 53 of a mat support and drainagestructure 54, which may include a water-retaining reservoir.

[0189] Tacky portion 52 could be a single layer or a plurality of layersas described above. Tacky portion 52 could also have water wicking orabsorbing features such that it would pass water to the support anddrainage structure below. Non-tacky portion 51 and tacky portion 52could be a single integrated piece.

[0190] The mat support and drainage structures, if they are made fromsufficiently heavy material, could be used with multiple mats as theywear out and are replaced over time.

[0191] An alternative embodiment of a mat support and drainage structureis illustrated in FIG. 32A. In this embodiment, a mat support anddrainage structure 55 comprises an A-frame structure formed from twosloping surfaces 57 arranged to form an apex 101 at or near a center ofthe mat support and drainage structure. Water that comes into contactwith the A-frame structure drains into water retention reservoirs 58 onends of the mat support and drainage structure 55 through a gravitatingaction as described above. In this embodiment, the mat support anddrainage structure may also be formed with additional transverse members59 to provide additional support to a mat placed thereon. Again, if themat is reasonably small and rigid, crossing members may not benecessary.

[0192] For outdoor use, the mat support and drainage structure may notrequire a retaining reservoir. Such an example is illustrated in FIG.32B. In this figure, the mat support and drainage structure 60 has noretaining reservoirs and the water is free to flow out one of more ends61 of the mat support and drainage structure.

[0193] In a plan view the mat support and drainage structure may be aquadrilateral with two long sides and two short sides. The short sidesmay be referred to herein as “ends.” A distance between the two longsides is a width of the mat support and drainage structure, and adistance between the two ends is a length of the mat support anddrainage structure. In view of the foregoing, it is also possible toconstruct a mat support and drainage structure wherein an A-framestructure as described in connection with FIG. 32A is oriented so thatthe sloping surfaces of the A-frame structure slope toward the longsides of the mat support and drainage structure, rather than toward theends thereof. Such a mat support and drainage structure is illustratedin FIG. 32C. In this embodiment, two sloping surfaces 63 are arranged toform an apex at or near a center region (with respect to the ends) ofthe mat support and drainage structure. A non-sloping planar perimeter103 of the A-frame structure extends between the A-frame structure andwalls of the mat support and drainage structure. Water flowing down fromthe two slanting surfaces 63 would be retained in the non-sloping planarperimeter between the A-frame structure and the walls. Alternatively,the A-frame structure could extend across the entire width of the matsupport and drainage structure. In this embodiment, the only retainingreservoirs would be at the ends of the mat support and drainagestructure.

[0194]FIG. 33 illustrates the placement of the top portion of a mat 66onto a mat support and drainage structure 67. The mat may be sized sothat, when placed on the mat support and drainage structure 67, the onlyexposed area of the mat support and drainage structure is a smallsection of reservoir on either end. This is to allow the water toevaporate rather than staying trapped under the mat.

[0195] Another example of how to effectively manage the retention ofmoisture in a mat is illustrated in FIG. 34. In this embodiment, a mat68 is illustrated as primarily a two-layer system. A top layer of themat may comprise, for example, a tacky-when-dry and tacky-when-wetmaterial as described above. However, the top layer is not limited toany particular kind of material. A bottom layer can be a flexible orrigid material with a channel formed in an upper surface thereofadjacent the top layer, and extending along a width of the mat. Anenlarged sectional view 3434 illustrates the placement of perforations70 in the mat directly over channels 71 formed along a width of the matto provide drainage through sides of the mat when sufficient weight isapplied to the mat. Although a multi-layer mat is illustrated, it isalso possible to use a single-layer mat with perforations as the toplayer, in combination with a bottom layer with channels as shown in FIG.34.

[0196]FIG. 35 shows an arrangement 72 illustrating the use of a matsupport and drainage structure with a mat 68 described in connectionwith FIG. 34. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structurehas retaining reservoirs 73, 74 on either end, respectively. The detailsof the mat drainage are as described above, and shown in an enlargedsectional view 35-35. The mat support and drainage structure need notinclude a gravitating portion, since drainage is provided by the mat 68itself.

[0197] Yet another embodiment of a mat designed to manage moistureremoval is illustrated in FIG. 36. In this embodiment, the mat 77comprises three layers. Enlarged cross-sectional view 36-36 illustratesa function of mat 77. A top layer 79 could be a thin film layer, forexample formed from plastic or the like, or a stack of thin film layersover a carrier substrate, with a tacky, slip-resistant surface asdescribed earlier. However, the top layer 79 is not limited to anyparticular kind of material. The top layer of the mat is perforated withholes 80 that allow the moisture to penetrate the top layer into amiddle layer 81 of the mat. The middle layer 81 comprises waterabsorptive material(s). Such materials could be selected such that themiddle layer can hold up to twice its weight in water (swelling ratio of200%) and may be constructed from, for example, open cell foam rubber orfoam plastics, a very hydrophilic polymer, or natural and/or man-madefibers or fabrics. The water absorptive layer 81 is constructed withsmall channels 82 that extend across a width of the mat. Although thesechannels are illustrated as cylindrical in shape, any shape thatproduces an open channel is contemplated.

[0198] A bottom layer 83 of the mat 77 comprises a rigid material, suchas rubber or plastic, and provides slip resistance between the bottomlayer and a surface in contact therewith, for example, a surface orsurfaces of a mat support and drainage structure as described above.When weight is applied to top layer of the mat, for example by a personstepping on the mat, excess water and moisture stored in the middle,water-absorptive layer 81 are forced out sides of the mat through thechannels 82 in the absorptive layer. A channel may be formed such that apoint in the channel at or near a center of the mat is slightly higherthan ends of the channel at sides of the mat, thereby introducing anangle into the channel. This would provide drainage out of the mat inthe absence of applied weight on the mat and would also assist in theevacuation of moisture due to applied weight on the mat surface.

[0199]FIG. 37 shows an arrangement 84 illustrating the use of a matsupport and drainage structure with a mat 77 described in connectionwith FIG. 36. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structurehas retaining reservoirs 85, 86 on either end, respectively. The detailsof the mat drainage are as described above, and shown in an enlargedsectional view 37-37. As in the embodiment of FIG. 35, the mat supportand drainage structure need not include a gravitating portion, sincedrainage is provided by the mat 77 itself.

[0200] An alternative to placing channels in the absorptive layer wouldbe to use absorptive fibers and preferentially orient them along a widthof the mat such that the water would run principally down the length ofthe fibers and out the sides of the mat, in the presence of appliedweight. The use of fibers in the absorptive layer is illustrated in FIG.38.

[0201] In the case where fibers are used, the mat 88 could also comprisethree layers. An enlarged sectional view 38-38 illustrates a function ofthe mat 88. A top layer 90 could be a thin film layer, for exampleformed from plastic or the like, or a stack of thin film layers over acarrier substrate, with a tacky, slip-resistant surface as describedearlier. However, the top layer is not limited to any particular kind ofmaterial. The top layer of the mat is perforated with holes 91 thatallow the moisture to penetrate the film into a middle layer 92 of themat. The middle layer 92 comprises water absorptive fibers 93. Thesefibers may be formed, for example, from plastics, a very hydrophilicpolymer, or natural and/or man-made materials. The fibers in the waterabsorptive layer 92 are oriented along a width of the mat so that spacesbetween the fibers, and the fibers themselves, form channels that extendacross a width of the mat.

[0202] A bottom layer 94 of the mat 88 comprises a rigid material, suchas rubber or plastic, and provides slip resistance between the bottomlayer and a surface in contact therewith. When weight is applied to toplayer of the mat, for example by a person stepping on the mat, excesswater and moisture stored in the middle, water-absorptive layer 92 areforced out sides of the mat through channels created by the spacesbetween the fibers 93 and perhaps through the fibers themselves. Some orall of the fibers may also be positioned in the mat such that at a pointat or near a center of the mat, a fiber is slightly higher than at theends of the channel at sides of the mat, thereby introducing an angleinto the fiber. This would provide drainage out of the mat in theabsence of applied weight on the mat and would also additionally assistin the evacuation of moisture due to applied weight on the mat surface.

[0203]FIG. 39 shows an arrangement 95 illustrating the use of a matsupport and drainage structure with a mat 88 described in connectionwith FIG. 38. In this embodiment, the mat support and drainage structurehas retaining reservoirs 96, 97 on either end, respectively. The detailsof the mat drainage are as described above, and shown in an enlargedsectional view 39-39. As with the embodiments of FIGS. 35 and 37, themat support and drainage structure need not include a gravitatingportion, since drainage is provided by the mat 88 itself.

[0204]FIG. 40 illustrates yet another possible embodiment of theinvention. In FIG. 40, an arrangement 400 comprises a mat support anddrainage structure 401 configured to receive a mat 402 including a baseportion 403 which may have water-dissipating, water-absorbing andwater-wicking properties as described above in connection with baseportion 200. The mat 402 may further include a tacky insert 404 andanti-slip components 405. The anti-slip components could, for example,be treads extending from the base portion of the mat 402 throughapertures in the tacky insert 404 as shown in FIG. 18. The tacky insert404 could be a single layer, or could comprise a plurality of separablelayers.

[0205] According to an alternative embodiment, not shown, the matsupport and drainage structure 401 itself could incorporate anti-slipcomponents that would extend through apertures in a tacky insert whenthe tacky insert was placed on the mat support and drainage structure.

[0206] In all of the above disclosed embodiments, due to the possiblestagnant nature of the water in the mat support and drainage structureand potential remaining moisture in a mat placed thereon and havingwater absorptive features, the addition of anti-fungal agents,anti-bacterial agents, and/or fragrances could provide additionalbenefits and the incorporation of such agents and or fragrances areincluded in the present invention. Such agents and fragrances may beincorporated in the raw materials of the mat portions prior to moldingor fabricating the mat support and drainage structure and/or the mat.Alternatively, the agents and fragrances may be applied afterfabrication by spraying, dipping, brushing or dusting the agents andfragrances onto the mat support and drainage structure and/or the mat.

[0207] Thus, as described previously, the floor mat of the presentinvention includes features as described below. It should be noted thatthe below-listed features are not all-inclusive of the features of thefloor mat of the present invention. This specification in its entiretydiscloses all of the features of the floor mat of the present invention.

[0208] As described previously, in an embodiment, the floor mat includesa tacky surface having a top exposed surface with a surface area and asubstantially non-paper anti-slip component disposed within the surfacearea of the top exposed surface of the tacky surface to prevent slippingon the tacky surface when wet. Thus, the anti-slip component is inoperable association with the top exposed surface of the tacky surfaceto reduce slippage of a person on the top exposed surface who steps onthe top exposed surface when the top exposed surface is wet. Theanti-slip component may be integrally included in the top exposedsurface.

[0209] The anti-slip component may include a plurality of channels ascan be seen in FIG. 5 which are comprised of a non-tacky material wherethe plurality of channels is extendible from the top surface of thetacky surface in response to a person stepping on the tacky surface.Alternatively, the floor mat may include an anti-slip component that isextendible from the top surface of the tacky surface in the absence of aperson standing on the tacky surface, such as the treads describedpreviously. Thus, the treads may be elongated members that have a lengthextending across the top exposed surface of the tacky surface which issubstantially greater than a height that the treads extend above the topexposed surface of the tacky surface.

[0210] Additionally, the anti-slip component may be the aperturesillustrated in FIG. 11.

[0211] The various embodiments for an anti-slip component may becomprised of a non-tacky material, e.g., non-tacky members, and a waterresistant material. Thus, the anti-slip components may be waterresistant. The anti-slip components may also be comprised of a materialsuch that they remain functional to prevent slipping on the tackysurface after a plurality of uses. As such, the anti-slip component maybe comprised of a sufficiently rigid material such that a configurationof the anti-slip component is substantially maintained after beingstepped on a plurality of times by a person and may be comprised of amaterial having a composition which is substantially maintained afterhaving been stepped on a plurality of times by the person.

[0212] As was also described previously, in an embodiment, the floor matincludes a base portion having a non-tacky exposed top surface area 250for contacting the soles of a person's shoes thereon and a tacky portionassociated with the non-tacky exposed top surface area of the baseportion and having a tacky exposed top surface area 350 for contactingthe soles of the shoes thereon. As can be seen at least in FIG. 1, thebase portion non-tacky exposed top surface area 250 is at least as largeas the tacky portion tacky exposed top surface area 350.

[0213] The floor mat's base portion may include a cushioning componentsuch that when the person's shoes applies pressure to the base portionand the tacky portion, both the base portion and the tacky portionconform to a topography of a bottom of the person's shoes. The tackyportion may also include a tacky surface on a bottom side of the tackyportion.

[0214] In various embodiments, the base portion may circumscribe thetacky portion, as can be seen in FIG. 1, or may be located adjacent tothe tacky portion, as can be seen in FIG. 14.

[0215] As can also be seen in at least FIG. 1, the floor mat has a baseportion that has a continuous non-tacky exposed top surface area 250 forcontacting the soles of a person's shoes thereon and a tacky portionhaving a tacky exposed top surface area 350 for contacting the soles ofthe shoes thereon. As can be seen also in FIGS. 15 and 16, the non-tackyexposed top surface area of the base portion and the tacky exposed topsurface area of the tacky portion are both of a size such that an entiresole of an adult-sized shoe is receivable thereon. The continuousnon-tacky exposed top surface area 250 of the base portion has a firstside area 252 disposed on a first side 352 of the tacky exposed topsurface area of the tacky portion and a second side area 254 disposed ona second, opposing side 354 of the tacky exposed top surface area of thetacky portion. The first side area of the continuous non-tacky exposedtop surface area of the base portion is larger than the second side areaof the continuous non-tacky exposed top surface area of the baseportion.

[0216] All of the disclosed embodiments are illustrative of the variousways in which the present invention may be practiced. Additionally, anyof the disclosed embodiments for the components of the floor mat, e.g.,the base portion, the tacky portion, the graphic display, and thus allof the features associated with these components, may be combined in anyembodiment of the present invention and the present invention is notlimited to only the particular combined embodiments disclosed. Otherembodiments can be implemented by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A floor mat support and drainage structure,comprising: a plurality of sloping surfaces for directing water comingin contact therewith downward; and support members arranged between saidsloping surfaces for supporting a mat placed thereon.
 2. The floor matsupport and drainage structure of claim 1, further comprising wallsarranged on sides of said plurality of sloping surfaces.
 3. The floormat support and drainage structure of claim 1, further comprising atleast one water retention reservoir arranged on an edge of at least oneof said sloping surfaces.
 4. The floor mat support and drainagestructure of claim 1, wherein said support members are radiallyarranged.
 5. The floor mat support and drainage structure of claim 2,wherein said walls are beveled.
 6. The floor mat support and drainagestructure of claim 1, wherein upper surfaces of said support members aresubstantially co-planar.
 7. The floor mat support and drainage structureof claim 1, wherein upper surfaces of said support members are co-planarwith respective ones of said sloping surfaces.
 8. The floor mat supportand drainage structure of claim 1, wherein adjoining ones of saidsloping surfaces form an apex.
 9. The floor mat support and drainagestructure of claim 1, further comprising a substantially planar section.10. A floor mat support and drainage structure, comprising two adjoiningsloping surfaces forming an apex, for directing water coming in contacttherewith downward.
 11. The floor mat support and drainage structure ofclaim 10, wherein said adjoining sloping surfaces are formed in a singlepiece of material.
 12. The floor mat support and drainage structure ofclaim 11, wherein said single piece of material has varying thickness,with a maximum thickness at or near a center thereof, and decreasingthickness toward edges thereof.
 13. The floor mat support and drainagestructure of claim 10, further comprising transverse members forsupporting a mat placed thereon.
 14. The floor mat support and drainagestructure of claim 10, further comprising walls arranged on sides ofsaid two adjoining sloping surfaces.
 15. The floor mat support anddrainage structure of claim 10, further comprising at least one waterretention reservoir arranged on an edge of at least one of said slopingsurfaces.
 16. The floor mat support and drainage structure of claim 10,further comprising a substantially planar section for receiving a tackymat.
 17. A floor mat comprising: a first layer with perforations; and asecond layer adjacent said first layer, with channels extending across awidth thereof.
 18. The floor mat of claim 17, wherein said channels areformed by grooves in a surface of said second layer adjacent saidperforations.
 19. The floor mat of claim 17, wherein said second layercomprises a water-absorptive material.
 20. The floor mat of claim 19,wherein said channels are formed in said water-absorptive material. 21.The floor mat of claim 17, wherein a channel is formed such that a pointin said channel at or near a center of said mat is higher than ends ofsaid channel.
 22. The floor mat of claim 17, further comprising aslip-resistant layer for contacting a surface that receives said floormat.
 23. The floor mat of claim 17, further comprising at least one ofan anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, and a fragrance.
 24. Afloor mat comprising: a first layer with perforations; and a secondlayer adjacent said first layer, wherein said second layer compriseswater-absorptive fibers.
 25. The floor mat of claim 24, wherein spacesbetween said fibers form channels extending across a width of said mat.26. The floor mat of claim 24, wherein a fiber is formed such that apoint in said fiber at or near a center of said mat is higher than endsof said fiber.
 27. The floor mat of claim 24, further comprising atleast one of an anti-fungal agent, an anti-bacterial agent, and afragrance.
 28. A floor mat support and drainage structure, comprising: aplurality of sloping surfaces for directing water coming in contacttherewith downward; radial support members arranged between said slopingsurfaces for supporting a mat placed thereon; walls arranged on sides ofsaid plurality of sloping surfaces; and at least one water retentionreservoir arranged on an edge of at least one of said sloping surfaces.29. A floor mat support and drainage structure, comprising: twoadjoining sloping surfaces forming an apex, for directing water comingin contact therewith downward; walls arranged on sides of said twoadjoining sloping surfaces; transverse members extending between saidwalls for supporting a mat placed thereon; and at least one waterretention reservoir arranged on an edge of at least one of said slopingsurfaces.
 30. The floor mat support and drainage structure of claim 29,wherein said adjoining sloping surfaces are formed in a single piece ofmaterial.
 31. A floor mat comprising a non-tacky portion and a tackyportion configured to overlie a mat support and drainage structure,wherein said mat support and drainage structure includes a first portioncomprising a plurality of sloping surfaces for directing water coming incontact therewith downward, and a substantially planar portion; andwherein said non-tacky portion is configured to extend substantiallyover said first portion, and said tacky portion is configured to extendsubstantially over said planar portion.
 32. A floor mat comprising anon-tacky portion and a tacky portion configured to overlie a matsupport and drainage structure comprising a plurality of slopingsurfaces for directing water coming in contact therewith downward,wherein both said non-tacky portion and said tacky portion includewater-absorbing and water-wicking properties.
 33. A floor mat assemblycomprising: a mat support and drainage structure comprising a pluralityof sloping surfaces for directing water coming in contact therewithdownward, and support members arranged between said sloping surfaces forsupporting a mat placed thereon; and a mat comprising a base portionhaving anti-slip components, and a tacky portion having aperturesconfigured to receive said anti-slip components.
 34. A floor matassembly comprising: a mat support and drainage structure comprising aplurality of sloping surfaces for directing water coming in contacttherewith downward, and support members arranged between said slopingsurfaces for supporting a mat placed thereon, and further comprisinganti-slip components; and a tacky portion having apertures configured toreceive said anti-slip components.
 35. A floor mat assembly comprising:a water-absorbing member cooperating with a water drainage member;anti-slip components; and a tacky portion having apertures configured toreceive said anti-slip components.